Trends come and go really quickly, when they do come, it’s often not easy to adapt them to our body shapes. Most believe being a fashionista is all about feeling good in the looks we like and feeling even better in our skin. But in this process, one could argue that we don’t follow rules but rather we follow guidelines. So, in this article, we have created a helpful guide to help you clothe your body type and accentuate your most beautiful assets. But before we can discuss which items to include in your closet, we first need to teach you about your body shape.
Use a calculator for body shape calculations
If you’re not certain a body shape calculator can let you know precisely the kind of body type you have. These types of tools count your ratio’s all you have to do is punch in your measurements and press “calculate” to get an instant result.
Pear-shaped
If your body is pear-shaped, it means your hips are the biggest section of your body. In other words, your waist is more narrow compared to your hips and your shoulders carry the tiniest measurement. Another name for a pear-shaped body type is spoon-shaped.
With this type of body shape, structured and fitted tops work best, you can look even better with huge embellished sleeves or a sexy sheer blouse, without your body looking disproportioned. In addition, you will find that horizontal stripes can make you look out of balance, by making your upper half look slightly stretched, so avoid those. Go for a waist-length jacket that’s cropped, this will accentuate your waist making you really flattering. A skirt and a line dress can also be a fantastic fit.
When looking around for inspiration, you can find a guide from red carpet celebrities with pear-shaped body types like Shakira, Kim Kardashian, skra Lawrence, Beyoncé, and Kelly Clarkson.
Apple-shaped
In this body shape, the body’s shoulders, waist, and bust measurements are the biggest. This body type is also referred to as the oval body shape or the round body shape. Quite often people who have this body shape have thin skinny legs and arms.
Most women with this body shape tend to hide their midsection with many coatings and clothes that are too loose. For this body shape, this type of clothing is not recommended because you can also wear figure-hugging clothes and look way better. Tops and dresses that have a line finish and v-necks are great for this body shape as they can add to a more defined looking waist when worn correctly. In addition, skinny jeans are also suitable for this body type, you’re able to wear this with a less tight top that’s flowier or the other way around.
Celebrity figures with an apple shaped figure are inclusive Mindy Kaling, Adele, Amy Schumer and Missy Elliott. When you check out their looks you’ll discover great style inspiration.
The hourglass figure
If the measurement of your waist is narrower and almost equal to your hip and shoulder measurements then chances are high that you have the hourglass figure. The hourglass comes in many variations, there’s the top hourglass figure, where the bust is the largest when measured (also referred to as the inverted triangle).
In general, clothes that add definition to the waste and highlight the curves are fantastic on body shapes with the hourglass silhouette. If you think you have this body shape, then wrap tops, body clinging bodycon dresses will be your best bet. Always pick cropped, fitted coats or jackets with a small waist. Also flared, slouch and skinny jeans all also be suitable it’s just a matter of your personal style preference. The hourglass body type is rather balanced and therefore has a lot of freedom when it comes to styling.
The hourglass figure is the least popular body type, so finding style inspiration can be a challenge. But don’t worry too much as celebrities like Christina Hendricks, Nigella Lawson, Sofia Vergara, and Serena Williams all have hourglass figures for you to seek guidance.
Rectangle body shape
This body shape is not really curvy. The hips and shoulders are more or less the same widths and the waist is not defined, thus giving the body a very straight-looking form. When you strive to dress a rectangle body shape it’s all about aiming for balance. Just about every item looks good on this body shape, so it’s all about selecting the features in your body you’ll like to highlight.
When looking at dresses and tops, a majority of cuts are made with this body type in mind making it hard to go off track. But if you want to look more attractive you can emphasize your bust by going for an elaborate neckline that is embellished. If you’re looking to define your waist include a belt around your waist, that will do the trick. Naturally, the rectangle is a slender frame, so you don’t need to hold back if you want to wear a big oversized top, which can give you a bold fun look.
Around 46% of women fall into this description, making it the most common body type around for ladies. Noteworthy celebrities with this body type are: Naomie Harris, Jada Pinkett Smith, Meghan Markle, Cameron Diaz and Natalie Portman.
The inverted triangle
Most women identify with the inverted triangle body shape. It has a wide bust and narrow hip. In essence, it’s a variation or combination of the rectangle body shape and hourglass figure. So, the “dress code” for both body shapes apply and is relevant for great dress up days.
Final words
If you’re still uncertain about which body shape you identify with, we suggest you speak to an expert or enroll in a fashion design program, and teach yourself the basics which you can later apply to yourself practically. The more you practice the more familiar you will become with your body shape and learn which clothing items look best on you.
